Immediate priorities
- Get medical care for urgent symptoms
- Document the scene and vehicle damage
- Preserve insurance and police-report information
- Avoid signing documents you do not understand
Information to preserve
Keep photographs, reports, witness details, insurance correspondence, repair estimates, medical records, billing statements, and documentation of missed work. Do not alter original files.
Insurance communication
Insurance companies may request statements, authorizations, or releases. Read documents carefully and avoid speculating about injuries or fault. A licensed attorney can explain how a request may affect a claim.
Important limitation
This page provides general educational information only. The facts, deadlines, available insurance, and potential responsible parties vary substantially from case to case.